If you are looking for a quick getaway where you can enjoy mesmerizing sceneries, scrumptious food, friendly locals, rich culture, and low cost of living, Mexico is the perfect place for you.
Everywhere you turn, you will always find something new and exciting because Mexico is bustling with vibrant colours and a cacophony of music—day in and day out. And the best thing about it is that when you’re on a Mexico guided tour, you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the pleasure of chilling on palm-fringed beaches, learning about the fascinating history of its ancient ruins, joining vivacious festivals, and tasting mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. Truly, Mexico has it all. That said, if you have limited time to travel, it can be quite challenging to pick the best tourist spots to add to your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll help you narrow down your picks and give you some tips on how you can make the most out of your holiday in Mexico.
https://unsplash.com/photos/yWgIfYgwVfA
Tulum
Top pick for those who enjoy the bohemian and hippie beach vibes
https://unsplash.com/photos/Xb79k54rFo4
If your idea of relaxation is sunbathing on a white sand beach while sipping a chilled margarita and listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shores, pack your bags right now and head straight to Tulum.
The world-renowned Tulum is a beautiful beach town on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is a crowd favorite among tourists for its powder-fine white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and intriguing ancient Mayan ruins in the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Avid nature lovers will also be in awe of the many cenotes around Tulum. These naturally formed holes in limestone bedrock accumulate fresh water over time, thereby becoming popular swimming holes for avid swimmers, snorkelers, and cave explorers.
https://unsplash.com/photos/iWzpYUSxIu4
Apart from that, Tulum also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. The beachfront is dotted with numerous bars and clubs where the wildest and hippest beach parties are held every night. But if you are not a party-goer, you can opt to visit and learn about the intriguing history of the ancient Mayan ruins instead. Chichén Itzá is a must-visit for history buffs, as it is home to the remnants of important ancient Mayan structures such as the El Castillo pyramid. You can also visit the surrounding archaeological zones of Muyil, Ek Balam, San Gervasio, and many more.
Mexico City
Best pick for those who want to experience Mexico’s vibrant culture
https://unsplash.com/photos/oGRrpBX2ER4
To no one’s surprise, Mexico’s political capital is also at the forefront of the country’s cultural scene. This is thanks to the fact that most of the famed Mexican muralists and artists chose Mexico City as home to their renowned masterpieces. Some examples include Diego Rivera’s cinematic murals, as seen in the Palacio Nacional, as well as José Clemente Orozco’s social-realist work in the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
You will also find that in Mexico City, you will be surrounded by art, music, dance and theatre wherever you go. For instance, gondola rides along the canals of Xochimilco are made more entertaining by the accompaniment of a mariachi ballad. You can also visit various museums, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the life and work of its namesake. Then there’s also the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a prominent cultural center that hosts notable events in music, dance, theatre, opera and literature, as well as exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. Indeed, Mexico City is a treasure trove of cultural experiences for erudite travellers.
Cabo Pulmo
A haven for avid scuba divers and snorkelers
https://unsplash.com/photos/gcG_b9ijyqU
Off the West coast of North America, you’ll find a quaint fishing village with stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and a world-class diving spot known to be among the largest marine protected regions in the world. Cabo Pulmo is an enchanting utopia for scuba divers and snorkelers who want to get up close and personal with a wide variety of marine life, including the elusive black coral bushes with schools of horse-eye jacks and triggerfish swimming in the background. And, if you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you may also spot some hammerhead sharks, huge manta rays and whale sharks.
Upon your ascent to land, you will find that the village is just as peaceful as its deep waters. Cabo Pulmo is an incredibly relaxing place where the pace of life is slow, and the locals are friendly. Moreover, this hidden gem’s unspoiled beauty is unparalleled since there are no large hotels or resorts nearby. So if you are looking to spend quiet lackadaisical days while living an authentic island life, Cabo Pulmo is the perfect destination for you.
Costa Maya
A soulful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city crowds
https://unsplash.com/photos/J5VBp6h8iKs
Do you want to break free from the chaotic city life and drown out the noise of cars honking and people bustling about? If so, plan a getaway trip to Costa Maya and rediscover your peace of mind. This small fishing village is underdeveloped compared to areas like Cancún and Riviera Maya, but it is home to some of the best diving spots on the Caribbean coast. Costa Maya is beloved by tourists for its powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, mesmerizing sceneries, and perfect weather all year round. Aside from lounging at the beach, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and even hiking. There are also no five-star restaurants in the area, but the local cantinas and restaurants serve some of the finest Mexican and international cuisines you’ll ever taste. To top it all off, the cost of commodities here is remarkably cheap.
Isla del Espíritu Santo
Top pick for a secluded weekend getaway
https://unsplash.com/photos/s9xBCWxm_lc
Isla del Espíritu Santo is a Unesco-protected Biosphere Reserve known for its spectacular pink sandstone finger-like protrusions, each harboring a cove with otherworldly beauty. Its deep blue waters are also the perfect spot for snorkelling and deep diving, as it is home to diverse marine lifeforms like whale sharks, colourful reefs, and even sea lions. And if snorkelling is not your thing, you can always spend your days here paddling and kayaking your way along its azure bays while drinking in the sight of its stunning scenery.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Mexico Trip
There are millions of reasons why Mexico is a great tourist destination, but it is not an exception to the “no country is perfect” rule. Just like any other country, Mexico has its caveats, so if it is your first time visiting, be sure to read and follow these tips to ensure a smooth sailing journey!
1. Learn Some Basic Spanish
While English is the lingua franca, speaking it in Mexico may only get you so far. It will save you a lot of time and hassle if you know the basic Spanish phrases a traveller might need in Mexico. Some examples include:
- Hola (hello)
- Buenos días (Good morning)
- Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)
- Buenas noches (Good night)
- Por favor (please)
- Gracias (thank you)
- Lo siento (I’m sorry)
- Disculpe (excuse me)
- No entiendo (I don’t understand)
- ¿Tu habla Inglés? (Can you speak English?)
- Cómo está? (How are you?)
- Estoy bien (I’m fine)
- ¿Qué es esto (What is this?)
- ¿Qué es eso? (What is that?)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does this cost?)
- ¿Dónde está? (Where is…?)
2. Don’t Stress About Safety
Mainstream movies and TV shows have long perpetuated the idea that Mexico is a dangerous, shady place, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Mexican government is aware of such stereotypes and has put significant efforts into keeping touristy areas safe and secure for all travellers. But while there is no need to be hypervigilant and all stressed out about safety, you must not be too lax and should still always keep your wits with you. Just listen to your intuition and steer clear of anything suspicious.
3. Don’t Drink Tap Water in Mexico
Although the water in Mexico is clean enough and is purified to some extent, keep in mind that the tap water here is not potable. To prevent yourself from getting traveller’s diarrhea, always drink bottled water—be it in restaurants, hotels, or just about anywhere.
4. Always Carry Some Cash
In Mexico, cash is still king. Unlike in the US and UK, Mexicans are not so fond of the credit or debit card culture when it comes to payments. Moreover, you would not want to miss out on the many street food stalls that you might pass through just because you don’t have some small bills with you. So, make sure to convert your euros and dollars to Mexican pesos before you go anywhere in Mexico.
5. Restroom Doors Marked With an “M” Are For the Ladies
The Spanish word for women is “Mujeres.” So, restroom doors marked with an “M” are for the ladies. On the other hand, doors marked with an “H” (for “hombres”) or “C” (for “caballeros”) are for gentlemen. Remember this to save yourself from the embarrassment of finding yourself in the wrong restroom!
6. Use a VPN
To prevent phishing and other unsafe online activities that might compromise your data security, make sure you browse the internet using an online Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. This is especially true if you’re connected to public networks like the free wifi in a coffee shop. This is because these public connections are quite vulnerable to attacks by online hackers.